Jose Mourinho says he loves hometown of Setubal as “Special One bulls***” is forgotten by the locals

Manchester United boss hinted he was happy with friends and family in his native town as they keep his feet on the ground

By Lee Astley

4th October 2017, 8:30 am

Updated: 4th October 2017, 8:39 am

JOSE MOURINHO has been honoured with a road named after him in his hometown of Setubal — and claimed he is happy their because there is no "Special One bulls***".

The Manchester United boss had the former Rua da Saude called Avenida Jose Mourinho in recognition of the Champions League winner's achievements.

EPA

Jose Mourinho was honoured by his hometown of Setubal with a road named after him

EPA

The local authority has renamed the former Rua da Saude as Avenida Jose Mourinho

Mourinho was humbled by the decision and thanked the people of the Portuguese town before having a dig at his famous nickname in England.

He said: "I come to Setubal because I love Setubal. Because my friends call me Ze and leave this tittle-tattle of 'Special One'.

"I am very grateful. I [normally] trade homage/tributes for victories and this is the only one I wouldn't trade.

"It's a situation a little bit strange for me, because Setubal continues to be the only city where I feel like myself, Ze, Ze Mario.

"Where people treat me normally and make me feel good. Where I have made, and try to make, my profession a little extra to my essence, to who I am. I'm pure Setubalense, with all the qualities and defects.

"And because of this I am grateful for this honour and it makes me emotional."

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EPA

Jose Mourinho was given the honour by Setubal mayor Maria das Dores Meira

Getty - Contributor

Jose Mourinho was given the honour for his career in football, including leading Manchester United to the Europa League last season

The former Chelsea coach was also asked if he will return to his hometown in the near future but Mourinho remained tight-lipped.

Mourinho added: "I do not know what I'll do in post-football - I'll be following children and grandchildren - but Setubal is always our home."

Mourinho was praised by mayor Maria das Dores Meira during the proceedings on the coast.

She gushed that he was a "Son of Setubal, a man of the world, a global personality" and "one of those Setubalenses who fill us with pride because he is really special, has a special talent, has special love for their land".

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